When I was a child, I thought that the Carolinas were named after Caroline Kennedy and I was jealous. But it was really her mother who I always kept my eye on. Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was always a serene figure in the background of images of Caroline, and it wasn’t until later that I became interested in her. I started collecting books about her, mostly from my beloved Book Thing.
JBKO was from an era when your actions spoke louder than your words. When you went out, you looked like a lady with a hat and gloves, regardless… That you took great pride in being a mother, and then being a friend to your children. Her clothes have a timeless quality, and with small tweaks, much of what she wore would be perfectly appropriate today.
I thought I’d share some of my favourite books with you and I will add links, in case you’re interested in acquiring them for your own library.
The John F. Kennedys: A Family Album by Mark Shaw. I have the original 1964 version (bottom) and a re-issued 2000 version.
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy by Mary van Rensselaer Thayer
What Jackie Taught Us: Lessons from the Remarkable Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Mrs. Kennedy: The Missing History of the Kennedy Years
Mrs. Kennedy Goes Abroad
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: A Life by Donald Spoto
A Woman Named Jackie: An Intimate Biography of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis
All Too Human: The Love Story of Jack and Jackie Kennedy
Remembering Jackie: A Life in Pictures
Jacqueline Kennedy : The White House Years: Selections from the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum by Hamish Bowles. This is one of the best books on JBKO’s fashion and style when she was in the White House.
Kennedy Weddings: A Family Album
I have even more, and I am lucky that I find them with relative frequency at the Book Thing. While there’s probably not a lot of new information about JBKO, there are always new images.
Happy Birthday to JBKO!
Lord have mercy. This is the FIRST time you have dished on this subject, no ? Is this the inspiration for your photography? My Jacqueline K library has nothing on you. Happy Birthday to me as of yesterday.
ReplyDeleteI've written about her a few other times. Especially in regards to the trip abroad and the Hamish Bowles book.
DeleteHere
I must say I do enjoy your blog, keep up the great work.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteShe was a bit special indeed. I have to read more about her fascinating life. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteDi
xoxo
Sort of a sphinx...
DeleteMeg, you might enjoy this one also on her years working as an editor. I was fascinated.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Jackie-Editor-Literary-Jacqueline-Kennedy/dp/0312591934/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406719155&sr=1-1&keywords=jacqueline+kennedy+editor
Oops! I do have that, and forgot to add it! If you look on the bookshelf picture, you can see it on top.
DeleteI have not read a lot about Jacqueline Kennedy, but I find it fascinating that a woman who seemed so shy would become one of the biggest celebrities ever. There are so many people out there these days who will do anything to stay in the limelight--but have so little talent and so few accomplishments. I find it hard to look at photographs of the Kennedys though, because the tragedies the family endured really sadden me-- the picture of Jackie and son John is kind of heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteI think it was because she was so shy that people wanted to know more about her. The re-issued Mark Shaw book is dedicated to JFK jr.
Deleteshe would be 85! + unbelievable + love her + bless her. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteI wonder if she would have let her hair go grey?
DeleteA bit envious of your collection Meg as I adore jackie and all she stands for!
ReplyDeleteI also wish we would have a Book Thing!
Xoxo
Karena
C.Z. Guest: American Style Icon
The Arts by Karena
Love the collection! I have most of those as well. Happy Birthday JBKO!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great collection! What I wouldn't do to live in an era full of well dressed and groomed people. She was so amazing.
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